Removing performance cue effects in evaluative ratings

Abstract

Includes bibliographical references (pages [46]-51)Research has demonstrated a ?performance cue effect? in which ratings are biased to be consistent with a given performance cue. This study attempted to: 1) diminish the performance cue effect through the use of free recall, and 2) to collect free recall as well as recognition measures to further explore the role of memory in the performance cue effect. These objectives were addressed by manipulating pre-observation performance cues (positive or negative) and the presence or absence of a free recall intervention. The results indicate that unstructured free recall does not function as an intervention. However, results do support the notion that the effects of performance cues on recognition scores (as well as on evaluative ratings) are mediated by probabilistic response bias. More importantly, additional analyses indicate that respondents are more likely to recall behaviors in a cue-consistent fashion. Specifically, participants provided with a positive (negative) performance cue recalled more positive (negative) behaviors. Further results indicate that the participants? overall free recall valence did not mediate the relationship between a participants? performance cue and his/her evaluative ratings.M.A. (Master of Arts